Official Running Thread

[knocky1]

I've very definitely been struck down with a cold now. I've had a runny nose and headache since yesterday evening and it really impacted my 10 mile run this morning. I managed to run in the 7:15 target pace with some magic around Victoria Gardens but it wasn't very naturally paced at all. I'm hoping that I can blast it out of my system in a couple of days by having multiple hot showers and eating as much hot food as possible. Any excuse!

Slight cold myself. Perfect timing sandwiched between Hastings and the Adur Worthing 20 miler on Sunday.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

My left hip is also feeling very tender now. I hope that swimming tomorrow will be a benefit but if I'm in struggling then I probably won't go.

 

[mejonaNO12 aka riskit]

Just a quick drop in to confirm I completed my first and last ever competitive race with the Brighton HM.

I was desperate to stick with the 2.15 pacer the whole way but dropped with 2 miles to go as my hips gave up on me (an old footballing injury). They were always going to go, just hoped it would be mile 12!

In the end I finished 2.20 which, a month ago when I was struggling to do 4 mile runs, I will happily take.

I'd love to claim I enjoyed the training and every moment of Sunday but that would be a lie. I may now try and go for the occasional 10km run for fitness but that's it. I'm done and I imagine my contributions to this thread are also now over!. Thanks to all the advice and helpful words on here during the build up. It helped a complete novice get through a challenge he wouldn't have given himself a hope of in January!

So, 3 years, 1 wedding, 1 child and 0 runs later I'm back. The grief of the 2016 Brighton half has dropped to a level where I am THINKING of signing up for 2020. We have a charity to close to our hearts which is also a factor.

Whereas I started my training (having never run before) 3 months before the last half, I'm thinking 11 months may be a good idea, run through the summer and try and at least get into the new year with SOME sort of hope of running the thing not in pain. I went into that day already knowing I'd fail after about mile 10.

A key issue before was my base fitness level for long exercise was non-existent. That and my inability to remember my asthma inhaler made the whole task horrific. I have subsequently started swimming (1 mile swims) twice a week and am now onto a strengthening plan at the gym. I'm a VERY tall runner and I really struggled with basically having weak legs and my back giving way after a while. I'm decided core strengthening, along with the swimming and, of course, continuous runs should put me in a much better place this time.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for 10k races to aim for in the build up. I would maybe think a 10k aim around October would make sense? Happy to be corrected.

Am I right that VERY slow and steady build up of distance would be the way to go. So don't be tempted to go straight out for a 5k now (which I think I'd find hard).

 

[soistes]

So, 3 years, 1 wedding, 1 child and 0 runs later I'm back. The grief of the 2016 Brighton half has dropped to a level where I am THINKING of signing up for 2020. We have a charity to close to our hearts which is also a factor.

Whereas I started my training (having never run before) 3 months before the last half, I'm thinking 11 months may be a good idea, run through the summer and try and at least get into the new year with SOME sort of hope of running the thing not in pain. I went into that day already knowing I'd fail after about mile 10.

A key issue before was my base fitness level for long exercise was non-existent. That and my inability to remember my asthma inhaler made the whole task horrific. I have subsequently started swimming (1 mile swims) twice a week and am now onto a strengthening plan at the gym. I'm a VERY tall runner and I really struggled with basically having weak legs and my back giving way after a while. I'm decided core strengthening, along with the swimming and, of course, continuous runs should put me in a much better place this time.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for 10k races to aim for in the build up. I would maybe think a 10k aim around October would make sense? Happy to be corrected.

Am I right that VERY slow and steady build up of distance would be the way to go. So don't be tempted to go straight out for a 5k now (which I think I'd find hard).

Well you could go for the Brighton 10k (ex Brooks 10k) in November
https://thebrighton10k.com

And then sign up for RunBrighton winter season, which is specifically targeted at people aiming for Brighton half and Brighton marathon - good value, very sociable Sunday long runs, for runners of all levels.
https://www.runbrighton.com

Worked for me, when I was getting into distance running

Good luck


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[knocky1]

So, 3 years, 1 wedding, 1 child and 0 runs later I'm back. The grief of the 2016 Brighton half has dropped to a level where I am THINKING of signing up for 2020. We have a charity to close to our hearts which is also a factor.

Whereas I started my training (having never run before) 3 months before the last half, I'm thinking 11 months may be a good idea, run through the summer and try and at least get into the new year with SOME sort of hope of running the thing not in pain. I went into that day already knowing I'd fail after about mile 10.

Excellent we can't wait to give you more advice about how easy you'll find it....

You're build up plan sounds good. Only point I'd make is that 5K at this stage would be OK especially if Parkrun. What I do when returning from time out is run it slowly and build up gradually each week from there. It's great being able to knock a few seconds off your time week after week.

 

[Artie Fufkin]

So, 3 years, 1 wedding, 1 child and 0 runs later I'm back. The grief of the 2016 Brighton half has dropped to a level where I am THINKING of signing up for 2020. We have a charity to close to our hearts which is also a factor.

Whereas I started my training (having never run before) 3 months before the last half, I'm thinking 11 months may be a good idea, run through the summer and try and at least get into the new year with SOME sort of hope of running the thing not in pain. I went into that day already knowing I'd fail after about mile 10.

A key issue before was my base fitness level for long exercise was non-existent. That and my inability to remember my asthma inhaler made the whole task horrific. I have subsequently started swimming (1 mile swims) twice a week and am now onto a strengthening plan at the gym. I'm a VERY tall runner and I really struggled with basically having weak legs and my back giving way after a while. I'm decided core strengthening, along with the swimming and, of course, continuous runs should put me in a much better place this time.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for 10k races to aim for in the build up. I would maybe think a 10k aim around October would make sense? Happy to be corrected.

Am I right that VERY slow and steady build up of distance would be the way to go. So don't be tempted to go straight out for a 5k now (which I think I'd find hard).

Definitely with [MENTION=15605]knocky1[/MENTION] 's advice to give parkrun a try. Lots of fun!

I think you'd be on the right track with the slow and steady build up approach with your return to running, with frequency, distance and also intensity. The best bit of advice I received was if I wanted to improve with my running and get "faster" I had to slow down. I'd say consistency is probably the single most important element to making improvements. To maintain consistency it's best to slow down to avoid fatigue which in turn can lead to injury. I could bore you with some low heart rate training advice but ultimately I think easy paced miles are the best miles to build that aerobic base. Building that aerobic base will lead to big improvements. Happy running!

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Parkrun is the natural starting point, for sure. It's a wonderful atmosphere and a social occasion so much as a run. You'll enjoy it and that will, hopefully, motivate further running activities. Keep swimming and doing the core work, for sure. Your core is crucial for your running endurance and posture, it'll help avoid injuries too.

Talking of injuries - it's pretty clear that I have a hip problem. It was inevitable really, I'm disappointed how quickly it has come on. I think that tomorrow's 3 x 15 minutes at 6:45 per mile session is off, and I'll probably either need to cancel the 19 miler on sunday. [MENTION=18183]big nuts[/MENTION], I'll let you know tomorrow.

 

[timbha]

Talking of injuries - it's pretty clear that I have a hip problem. It was inevitable really, I'm disappointed how quickly it has come on. I think that tomorrow's 3 x 15 minutes at 6:45 per mile session is off, and I'll probably either need to cancel the 19 miler on sunday. [MENTION=18183]big nuts[/MENTION], I'll let you know tomorrow.

I’m no expert but it appears to me that your body is begging for a rest.. listen to it.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

I’m no expert but it appears to me that your body is begging for a rest.. listen to it.

Yeah, seems likely. 2 weeks out I can only do damage, so it's looking like rest time. 435 miles already run this year, a more casual few days before the big one isn't the worst thing in the world. Disappointing though, I've been flying.

 

[Simgull]

Hove Park 600th parkrun tomorrow - where better to complete a milestone, do your first or just come for a bit of fun?

I’ll be pacing something like 28s. See you there?

 

[Artie Fufkin]

Yeah, seems likely. 2 weeks out I can only do damage, so it's looking like rest time. 435 miles already run this year, a more casual few days before the big one isn't the worst thing in the world. Disappointing though, I've been flying.

All the best with the recovery mate. I think you're right, very little to be gained in the next two weeks but still plenty of time to experience an injury. Time to dial at back, unless you're going for the inverse taper approach.

 

[Badger]

Yeah, seems likely. 2 weeks out I can only do damage, so it's looking like rest time. 435 miles already run this year, a more casual few days before the big one isn't the worst thing in the world. Disappointing though, I've been flying.

When I did my marathon last May my legs felt terrible a couple of weeks, and I had a couple of niggly issues. I took it really easy during my tapering and 2 days out from the marathon everything suddenly felt great again and I was in perfect condition on the day.

You've put in the hard work, let your body heal before the big day.

 

[Greg Bobkin]

Yeah, seems likely. 2 weeks out I can only do damage, so it's looking like rest time. 435 miles already run this year, a more casual few days before the big one isn't the worst thing in the world. Disappointing though, I've been flying.

You've gotta be sensible, man. Taking a bit of time out is the right (and only, IMO) thing to do.

The good news is that almost everyone I've seen who has been down that route has come back stronger, fitter and faster than they were before. Maybe it's because they feel they have something to prove or want to make up for missed runs I don't know, but they absolutely smash it.

Good luck and rest well.

 

[dazzer6666]

Parkrun is the natural starting point, for sure. It's a wonderful atmosphere and a social occasion so much as a run. You'll enjoy it and that will, hopefully, motivate further running activities. Keep swimming and doing the core work, for sure. Your core is crucial for your running endurance and posture, it'll help avoid injuries too.

Talking of injuries - it's pretty clear that I have a hip problem. It was inevitable really, I'm disappointed how quickly it has come on. I think that tomorrow's 3 x 15 minutes at 6:45 per mile session is off, and I'll probably either need to cancel the 19 miler on sunday. [MENTION=18183]big nuts[/MENTION], I'll let you know tomorrow.

Take a break....might be something that’ll clear up quickly with rest, you’ve been doing decent volume (at speed) lately. You’ll lose literally no fitness in 2 weeks......

 

[knocky1]

Skipping Hove Park 600 tomorrow despite wanting to say well done to a man celebrating his 90th Birthday doing the run. Apparently his PB is 14 something achieved 65 years ago. Make sure you give him a cheer Hove.
I’m heading to the Prom for a gentle 25” and will try to join the sea dippers afterwards

 

[big nuts]

Anyway I will say I was majorly depressed about my health issues and not being able to run but stepping back away from it my life is so much more well rounded and I'm at least 50% happier probably aided by the cold water swimming.

Sorry to hear this but pleased you’ve found another outlet.

Out of interest how has it made your life more rounded if you don’t mind me asking?

As someone who is very shit or bust in life I sometimes think I’m too obsessive. Has taking a step back brought more balance?

 

[big nuts]

Skipping Hove Park 600 tomorrow despite wanting to say well done to a man celebrating his 90th Birthday doing the run. Apparently his PB is 14 something achieved 65 years ago. Make sure you give him a cheer Hove.
I’m heading to the Prom for a gentle 25” and will try to join the sea dippers afterwards

I’ll see you there. First Park Run since October for me.

 

[big nuts]

Skipping Hove Park 600 tomorrow despite wanting to say well done to a man celebrating his 90th Birthday doing the run. Apparently his PB is 14 something achieved 65 years ago. Make sure you give him a cheer Hove.
I’m heading to the Prom for a gentle 25” and will try to join the sea dippers afterwards

I’ll see you there. First Park Run since October for me.

 

[big nuts]

Parkrun is the natural starting point, for sure. It's a wonderful atmosphere and a social occasion so much as a run. You'll enjoy it and that will, hopefully, motivate further running activities. Keep swimming and doing the core work, for sure. Your core is crucial for your running endurance and posture, it'll help avoid injuries too.

Talking of injuries - it's pretty clear that I have a hip problem. It was inevitable really, I'm disappointed how quickly it has come on. I think that tomorrow's 3 x 15 minutes at 6:45 per mile session is off, and I'll probably either need to cancel the 19 miler on sunday. [MENTION=18183]big nuts[/MENTION], I'll let you know tomorrow.

No big deal if you can’t. I’m feeling quite battered and bruised after a hectic 5 days so a slow plod Sunday sounds very appealing.

 

[Guinness Boy]

I basically don't run anymore after having a heart scare, all about the swimming now. Will never get that sub 3 marathon but hopefully will complete brighton tri, very slowly. Still not decided on standard or sprint but either way it will be slow.

Sorry to hear this, a real shame. Hope the swimming really helps. Can still remember you absolutely blasting past me on New Church Rd in 2016.

So, 3 years, 1 wedding, 1 child and 0 runs later I'm back. The grief of the 2016 Brighton half has dropped to a level where I am THINKING of signing up for 2020. We have a charity to close to our hearts which is also a factor.

Whereas I started my training (having never run before) 3 months before the last half, I'm thinking 11 months may be a good idea, run through the summer and try and at least get into the new year with SOME sort of hope of running the thing not in pain. I went into that day already knowing I'd fail after about mile 10.

A key issue before was my base fitness level for long exercise was non-existent. That and my inability to remember my asthma inhaler made the whole task horrific. I have subsequently started swimming (1 mile swims) twice a week and am now onto a strengthening plan at the gym. I'm a VERY tall runner and I really struggled with basically having weak legs and my back giving way after a while. I'm decided core strengthening, along with the swimming and, of course, continuous runs should put me in a much better place this time.

Does anyone have any good recommendations for 10k races to aim for in the build up. I would maybe think a 10k aim around October would make sense? Happy to be corrected.

Am I right that VERY slow and steady build up of distance would be the way to go. So don't be tempted to go straight out for a 5k now (which I think I'd find hard).

Yes, a very slow and steady build up required. When I started running (I was over 16 stone and am 6ft 1) I got to 5k reasonably quickly but after that it was timed runs, increasing by 5 minutes each Sunday until I hit the magic 10K mark just before my planned BM10K. It took me 1hr 4 mins in training and 55 mins in the race and it felt like a marathon. After that I just kept building slowly by miles, first 7, then 8 and so on. For me it helped that I had done BM10K in April so by October I was able to do a 10 mile race, Bright10. That is not being run anymore (sadly, it was still my favourite) so I would agree with soistes and say your best bet is Brighton 10K in November. Just be aware it can be very windy. The one a couple of years back was basically run in a storm. It's probably one to get round rather than race if you're building up very slowly.

That said, if you can do parkrun then there's nothing to stop you trying to beat your PB for a couple of weeks in a row and then starting to up the distance in training runs - but very slowly as injury will set you back a bit.

Skipping Hove Park 600 tomorrow despite wanting to say well done to a man celebrating his 90th Birthday doing the run. Apparently his PB is 14 something achieved 65 years ago. Make sure you give him a cheer Hove.
I’m heading to the Prom for a gentle 25” and will try to join the sea dippers afterwards

8 miler for me with the mid section at MP.

Did a time trial thing on Weds in Lytham, which is nice and flat, where I warmed up for 15 mins and then did 800m repeats at tempo eight times with a walk recover in between. Supposedly the average time of the intervals in minutes is a good indicator of marathon pace in miles (says coach). Mine were 3.57/3.58/3.46/3.43/3.45/3.55/3.55/4.08.

After that I consumed almost an entire Thai restaurant and four beers so I'm not sure it helped over all.